Tunua Thrash-Ntuk: Overcoming Fear by Living in What Lights You Up

On this week's episode, Apollo Emeka is joined by Tunua Thrash-Ntuk, the president and CEO of The Center by Lendistry, a nonprofit organization who aims to impact small businesses in underserved communities by providing necessary business resources for success. Tunua has dedicated over two decades of her life to public service, leading impactful initiatives to build better communities.

Throughout the interview, Tunua emphasizes the vital role of leadership and provides insightful advice for those aspiring to enhance their careers. She discusses how leaders must stay grounded in the intent of their work, striving always to bring in fresh perspectives and ideas. For Tunua, the key to harmony among the different roles in life– from the professional realm to the personal– is identifying the overlap between them. By integrating different aspects of her life, she nurtures her values and fulfills her goals in each area. 

Lastly, Tunua confronts the common fear and doubt that can arise in one's journey. She empowers listeners to stand strong amid uncertainty, highlighting gratitude as an effective tool. By focusing on the assets and support they already have, individuals can confidently step forward in service to others. Thus, she invites listeners to lean into this mindset, taking one small step at a time towards their goals.

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Guest Bio

With a public service career spanning more than two decades, Tunua Thrash-Ntuk has led racial equity initiatives and billion-dollar governmental programs to build better communities for those in greatest need.

As a community development professional, she has championed equitable economic inclusion and programs centered on uplifting businesses owned by women, immigrants, and people of color to ensure the survival of diverse communities in Los Angeles. 

As California builds an unprecedented level of affordable housing to solve its housing crisis, Tunua led the effort around groundbreaking legislation, AB 2873 (Jones-Sawyer). Signed into law by Governor Newsom on September 13, 2022, AB 2873 will increase contracting to diverse-owned construction and professional services firms who are severely underrepresented in the industry. 

As President and CEO of The Center by Lendistry, Tunua centers diverse and ready to be served small businesses to ensure access to the resources, technical assistance, and economic opportunities needed for success. The Center’s work begins with small businesses but also encompasses the communities in which they do business by elevating affordable housing and other community development revitalization efforts. 

Before joining The Center, Tunua served as Executive Director of the Los Angeles Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC LA), where she oversaw efforts to forge resilient communities through neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing, and small business empowerment. In 2020, Tunua led the partnership with the City and County of Los Angeles for the LA COVID-19 Regional Recovery Fund, equitably distributing

$100 million in grants to microenterprises, small businesses and nonprofits impacted by COVID-19. Prior to joining LISC, Tunua served as Executive Director of West Angeles Community Development Corporation – where she led the growth of a $150 million real estate portfolio. 

Tunua serves on the Long Beach Advisory Commission for Women and Girls (LBCWG) and on the board of Southern California Association of Non-Profit Housing (SCANPH). She is a graduate of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where she earned her Master’s in City Planning as well as an alumna of UC Berkeley where she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies.

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Guest PLE Score

• Prioritize - 52%
• Leverage - 28%
• Execute - 20%

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Guest Quote

“When you ask, ‘how do you overcome fear?’ I've decide